Evaluate

Evaluate

Weigh the pros and cons of technologies, products and projects you are considering.

• How segment routing could be a boon to SDN

  Segment routing could prove to be a compelling alternative to OpenFlow, but more work needs to be done before it becomes a mainstream technology. Continue Reading

• The benefits of the 802.11ad standard shouldn't be overlooked

  The other WLAN standard, 802.11ad, will bring even more flexibility and opportunities to enterprises, but the specification also comes with some challenges. Continue Reading

• Comparing cable types: Fiber vs. copper twisted pair

  What's the difference in fiber vs. copper cables? Key differences include cost, speed and more when it comes to fiber optic and copper twisted-pair cabling options. Continue Reading

• CCIE exams: Still worth it?

  Jedadiah Casey had been studying for the CCIE exams for months when he found himself asking whether the certification is even relevant in the SDN era. His answer: Absolutely. Continue Reading

• ScienceLogic EM7: Network performance monitor overview

  ScienceLogic EM7 is still a newcomer to the network performance monitoring market, but it offers flexible deployment options, including VMs and software-as-a-service installations. Continue Reading

• Viavi Observer: Network performance monitor overview

  With deployable hardware and software probes, Viavi Observer is known as one of the most robust network performance monitors in the market today.Continue Reading

• Learn what metrics matter in a hybrid cloud delivery model

  Discovering the ins and outs of a hybrid cloud delivery model can be challenging. Fortunately, metrics may be able to help.Continue Reading

• Cisco network monitor product overview

  Cisco Prime has been on the network performance monitoring market for over five years. Networking expert Andrew Froehlich takes a deeper dive into the Cisco network monitor, Prime.Continue Reading

• Riverbed SteelCentral product overview

  Riverbed SteelCentral is one of the most prominent network performance monitoring systems on the market today. Networking expert Andrew Froehlich takes a deeper dive into its features.Continue Reading

• Infosim StableNet network monitoring product overview

  The Infosim StableNet network performance monitor offers a variety of features, including support for telecommunications providers and an embedded hardware agent.Continue Reading

• HPE Network Node Manager product overview

  HPE Network Node Manager comes with a wide range of plug-ins, including monitoring for IP telephony, multicast deployments and quality assurance departments.Continue Reading

• Types of network cables: An introduction to network cabling

  Different types of networking cables are the backbone of a network's infrastructure. Selecting the right type is critical, as enterprise network admins deploy new technologies.Continue Reading

• How to buy the best application delivery controller for your firm

  Application delivery controllers have advanced in ways that make ADCs more useful for a wider range of companies than ever before. This guide outlines what you need to know in order to buy the best application delivery controller for your company.Continue Reading

• What is the difference between bit rate and baud rate?

  Learn how to understand the difference between bit rate and baud rate in this expert answer.Continue Reading

• SolarWinds NPM product overview

  SolarWinds NPM system supports a wide range of features, among them data flow collection, server and application monitoring, and quality of service for enterprise VoIP suites.Continue Reading

• SevOne monitoring suite product overview

  SevOne monitoring products, such as the Performance Application Solution, scale to the environment size. The PAS appliance can monitor up to 200,000 network devices.Continue Reading

• How to choose the right next-gen network migration option

  Network operators planning next-generation network migrations need to choose from layered, geographic and service-oriented approaches, or a combo platter that meets their needs.Continue Reading

• High-speed wireless access: Fact or fiction?

  High-speed wireless access is all the rage, but one user cautions against buying into the 802.11ac hype. Yes, it's progress, but not as much as you might think.Continue Reading

• CA UIM network performance monitor: product overview

  CA Technologies' network performance monitoring products include CA UIM, which supports a variety of features, including network performance and availability management.Continue Reading

• NetScout TruView network performance monitor: Product overview

  NetScout's retooled TruView gives administrators oversight into myriad network operations, including public and private clouds.Continue Reading

• Making your business driver and technology coexist

  You may cringe when you hear the term 'business driver,' but understanding the technology component within that jargon will make your job easier.Continue Reading

• Comparing the top network performance tools on the market

  Choosing among network performance tools can be difficult. In this article, expert Andrew Froehlich breaks down the differences among the top products on the market.Continue Reading

• What system administrator responsibilities are paramount today?

  System administrator responsibilities are, fundamentally, about the care and feeding of systems but cover a broad range of possibilities when looking at a specific position.Continue Reading

• As technology changes, networking skills need to keep up

  Evolving technology demands that networking professionals stay up to speed on the latest advancements, especially those centered around software-based services.Continue Reading

• Physical network infrastructure to decrease in SDN virtual evolution

  Ethernet switches, Wi-Fi APs and routers may be the only physical network infrastructure you need in a virtual-, SDN- and cloud-based future, according to networking expert Craig Mathias.Continue Reading

• When will SD-WANs 'cross the chasm'?

  It can be difficult to separate hype from reality, especially when it comes to SDN technology. Here, analyst Jim Metzler explores when software-defined WANs might go mainstream.Continue Reading

• What duties are in the network manager job description?

  Get the inside scoop on a network manager's job description, workload and responsibilities which keep an organization's network infrastructure running smoothly.Continue Reading

• Hardware vs. Software: The role of hardware in a software age

  In this software age, is there any role left for hardware? In our three-part guide, our experts' response is a resounding, "yes." It may feel like this is the era of Continue Reading

• Network designs for dynamic route pacing

  The new generation of network devices means network designs based on dynamic routing. But there are pitfalls to keep in mind.Continue Reading

• Getting the best Ethernet networking for your enterprise

  Ethernet, the most widely used local area network data transmission technology, is a protocol in the TCP/IP stack. It touches both the physical layer (Layer 1) and the data-link layer (Layer 2) on the OSI network protocol model. Throughout the 33 ...Continue Reading

• Future network market vision emphasizes the edge

  Facing two network market truths, carriers must focus on metro networks with big pipes connecting cloud data centers at the edge to keep costs in line with incoming revenue.Continue Reading

• Network refresh: Look at your needs, not the name on the box

  In this Q&A, one networking pro shares why he and his team broke from their existing vendors during a network refresh and went with a new roster for their routers and switches.Continue Reading

• Jobs in networking: Enterprises vs. service providers

  It may not be the first question on your mind when evaluating job opportunities, but network engineers who have worked on both sides say there are distinct differences.Continue Reading

• As mobility grows, enterprises assess wireless-first designs

  Are you ready to kiss Ethernet cables goodbye? Find out what it takes to build and manage a network where wireless infrastructure rules the access layer.Continue Reading

• How do I choose an SDN certification or training program?

  Network engineer and SDN pro Will Murrell discusses how to choose the right SDN certification or training program, and what types of SDN courses are available.Continue Reading

• The business case for deploying network monitoring systems

  Network monitoring systems that focus on performance enhance network reliability and promote more efficient communication. What are some of the features you should be examining?Continue Reading

• 'If' and 'how' to make a WAN software-defined

  The wide area network is the latest aspect of IT to be transformed by the software-defined revolution. Do you need to make your WAN software-defined? And if the answer is "yes," how should you proceed? This three-part technical guide looks first at ...Continue Reading

• How to make your WAN architecture software-defined

  There's more than one way to make your WAN architecture software-defined. Learn three very different routes to achieving an SD-WAN.Continue Reading

• Analyzing big data in the cloud to boost business

  Google's GCP Next event highlights the growing trend of analyzing big data in the cloud to boost business.Continue Reading

• Tapping into old skills in the face of networking evolution

  Even outdated learning and skills, when adapted properly, can be important and useful for engineers adjusting to today's networking evolution.Continue Reading

• Ethernet networking: Where it is today and what's next

  Learn the latest about Ethernet -- how it works, how it's changed over the years and how Ethernet networking is evolving.Continue Reading

• SDN/NFV network standards don't address benefits of change

  Evolving SDN/NFV network standards address the technology but don't help operators understand potential operational efficiencies and increased service revenues.Continue Reading

• Shifts in application delivery management make APM crucial

  As business changes drive shifts in the process of application delivery management, understanding APM is key.Continue Reading

• Business is 'destroying' the application delivery process

  Business has changed, and so must the application delivery process. It's time for IT to go from being provider of services to a broker between clouds and end users. Here's how.Continue Reading

• How have network performance monitoring tools evolved?

  Network performance monitoring tools have evolved as networks have become more complex. What are some of the capabilities and features these tools now possess?Continue Reading

• Viptela vs. Cisco: Comparing SD-WAN vendors' platforms

  In a software-defined WAN showdown, network pro Will Murrell compares platforms from two top SD-WAN companies -- Cisco's Intelligent WAN and Viptela's Secure Extensible Network.Continue Reading

• New Wi-Fi technology that will affect your network

  New Wi-Fi technology developments are many, from the latest IEEE 802.11 standards like White Space Wi-Fi and the Wi-Fi Alliance HaLow program. Get up to speed on what's new in wireless.Continue Reading

• Network analytics will play a key role for IT managers

  The enterprise network is transforming with mobility and SDN, and the additional complexity means network analytics has to become a primary tool.Continue Reading

• Cloud exchanges designed for WAN connections to public clouds

  Emerging cloud exchanges offer access to multiple cloud services via WAN links with the benefits of better security and network performance than the public Internet.Continue Reading

• Beacon technologies: Cool apps, but also network challenges

  There are countless exciting applications for beacons, but can they fulfill everything they promise? And, more important, can your backend infrastructure support them?Continue Reading

• NFV and SDN work in tandem in network infrastructure design

  NFV and SDN work at different layers of new network infrastructure designs. And together, they can drive change in creating virtual devices and flexible network connections.Continue Reading

• SD-WAN helps secure hybrid networks

  For all the gripes enterprises have about MPLS, one point of contention remains: Branches directly connected to the Internet don't feel safe. Is that still true in the age of SD-WAN?Continue Reading

• SD-WAN technology: A primer for what you need to know

  Software-defined WAN is poised to take the wide area network by storm, simplifying operations and reducing costs. Here's what you should know about the new SDN-based approach.Continue Reading

• Comparing enterprise network monitoring vendors

  Industry analyst Shamus McGillicuddy explores the leading enterprise network monitoring vendors on the market. Which ones have the features and capabilities you need?Continue Reading

• SDN analytics offers key to smarter, more adaptive networks

  SDN analytics promises to make software-defined networks smarter than ever, culling insights from vast amounts of big data and updating operations accordingly.Continue Reading

• New Ethernet standard, 25 Gigabit Ethernet, slakes server performance

  Expanded performance and throughput in 25 Gigabit Ethernet, a new Ethernet standard, reflects continued advances in server processing.Continue Reading

• SDN improves delivery of services in metropolitan area networks

  Providers have historically faced long delays in delivering new services to metropolitan networks. Analyst David Jacobs explains how SDN will change that.Continue Reading

• IT networking career lessons in a time of change

  In the high-stakes, 'us vs. them' world of modern networking, a veteran network administrator shares some fundamental IT networking career lessons.Continue Reading

• Get hands-on with the Open Network Operating System

  It's time to dive in with ONOS. Network pro Patrick Hubbard shares his recent experiences testing the open SDN operating system, and how you can try it, too.Continue Reading

• How many SDN programming languages should I know?

  When it comes to programming languages, is it better to become an expert in one or a jack-of-all-trades? Networking pro Will Murrell recommends familiarizing yourself with three.Continue Reading

• How does SDN automation work?

  Expert Lee Doyle explains how software-defined networking enables network automation -- leading to lower costs, faster provisioning and better scalability.Continue Reading

• Getting started: Why it's time to learn Python for SDN

  Not all programming languages are created equal. For networking pros ready to dive into coding, network engineer Will Murrell suggests starting with Python.Continue Reading

• Four examples of networks in unusual places

  If you think you had a weird day at the office, check out some of the crazy conditions these IT pros work in as we explore four networks off the beaten path.Continue Reading

• Latest types of firewalls merge NGFW and threat analysis features

  The next-generation firewall has become the focal point of an enterprise security strategy that integrates with cloud-based threat analysis and endpoint management.Continue Reading

• Container networking offers opportunity to simplify networks

  Linux containers are back in a big way, but it's not just developers who should be paying attention. Container networking will likely bring big changes to data centers.Continue Reading

• Tempered Networks' HIPswitch tackles IoT management

  Tempered Networks wins this month's Network Innovation Award for its HIPswitch IoT management and security platform, which its director of product management discusses in this Q&A.Continue Reading

• Dell C9010: Data center-class switch overview

  The Dell C9010 data center-class switch supports a large number of deployment scenarios, including campus networks, midsize businesses and large enterprises.Continue Reading

• Compensation flat for network pros in IT salary survey for 2015

  TechTarget's annual IT Salary and Careers Survey reveals network IT pros are satisfied with their jobs, even without big increases.Continue Reading

• Essential network monitoring system features for the enterprise

  Which network monitoring system features should you look for before buying an availability monitoring system?Continue Reading

• Comparing the best data center-class switch features

  Before you buy, check out this comparison of leading data center-class switches to understand the different features and capabilities.Continue Reading

• Deploying SDN for small business not yet worth it

  SDN for small business: Does it make sense? Networking engineer Nick Buraglio says maybe someday, but we're not there yet.Continue Reading

• The best VPNs for enterprise use

  This slideshow highlights the best VPNs used in enterprise wide-area networks (WANs) and offers principles for designing and implementing virtual private network (VPN) clients in the enterprise.Continue Reading

• Looking at the future of wireless technology at CES 2016

  The CES 2016 consumer electronics show offers insight into the future of enterprise wireless technology. Here's what IT should expect.Continue Reading

• NFV at the wireless edge: Cloud RAN opportunities and challenges

  Cloud RAN, a new architecture based on network functions virtualization concepts, promises to help the wireless network meet the demands of tomorrow.Continue Reading

• DNS co-founder discusses need for a more secure DNS

  Thirty years after creating the Internet's domain name system, co-creator Paul Mockapetris talks about addressing Internet challenges with a more secure DNS.Continue Reading

• Predictions for SDN development in 2016

  This promises to be an exciting year for software-defined networking enthusiasts, with SDN development poised for explosive growth. Analyst John Burke shares his predictions.Continue Reading

• Understanding your wireless LAN controllers

  WLAN is often described with three planes: data, control and management. The role of the control plane, and the wireless LAN controllers, is the most difficult of these to understand.Continue Reading

• Merlin Project conjuring up a new network management tool

  The Merlin Project, part of the Frenetic Project, hopes to help IT managers oversee complex networks with a new network management tool.Continue Reading

• WLAN 2016 technology trends

  As we look ahead in the new year, wireless LAN 2016 technology trends include 802.11ac Wave 2, analytics, 2.5/5/10 Gbps, LTE conflicts and the Internet of Things.Continue Reading

• Is it time for enterprises to use SDN in the data center?

  Software-defined networking (SDN) gained early traction in companies like cloud providers with the resources to launch it and a need for its benefits. Quick to use SDN to make networks programmable, scalable and more flexible, they were up for ...Continue Reading

• How does Open Network Operating System's 'Emu' update CORD?

  ONOS' latest release, called "Emu," includes updates to the Central Office Re-architected as Datacenter. Analyst Dan Conde explains what they entail.Continue Reading

• Container networking: SDN systems designed for developers

  New SDN projects like Flannel and Weave Net are developer-friendly and Docker-compatible. Analyst Dan Conde explains why you might want to consider the new kids on the SDN block.Continue Reading

• EMC-Dell merger good for open SDN?

  The EMC-Dell merger has plenty of people wondering what will become of VMware NSX. But could the deal, counterintuitively, actually be good for open SDN?Continue Reading

• How to work successfully with WLAN controllers

  Today, WLAN controllers are among the most important systems for modern users, but they do present challenges. Watch this webcast and learn how to overcome them.Continue Reading

• My MPLS service contract expires soon -- should I renew?

  The rise of SD-WAN has many asking: Do we really need MPLS connectivity? Expert John Burke explains what factors to consider before renewing your existing contract.Continue Reading

• 2016 telecom trends: As NFV goes, so goes carrier cloud

  In 2016, evolving trends in telecom will reveal whether the cloud, NFV and SDN can be effective business-level options for operators that need operations and management automation.Continue Reading

• What does 'open network' really mean today?

  One of the Open Networking User Group's most important conclusions of 2015: "Open networking" now means user choice, not a particular protocol or open source project.Continue Reading

• Has the time for wireless enterprise networks arrived?

  Is it time for Wi-Fi to become the primary access method for enterprise users?Continue Reading

• Should a Wi-Fi Internet service become your primary access?

  The notion of access from anywhere and the advent of higher-speed Wi-Fi service standards have fueled the development of wireless networking. Increasingly, employees are working from everywhere and often use Wi-Fi Internet even when in the corporate...Continue Reading

• Network security basics: A Buyer's Guide

  Getting network security basics right is critical. This SearchNetworking Buyer's Guide helps you purchase the best products for your enterprise.Continue Reading

• Harnessing wireless controllers to reduce costs

  Wireless controllers can help meet a rising demand for WLAN services in the era of post-recession budgets.Continue Reading

• NIA awards: A look back at innovative technology products

  As 2015 draws to a close, we look at the innovative technology products that garnered a SearchNetworking Network Innovation Award.Continue Reading

• Cisco Identity Services Engine: Security product overview

  The Cisco Identity Services Engine network access control system can be deployed as an appliance or virtual machine in a private cloud and offers compatibility for BYOD devices.Continue Reading

• ForeScout NAC: Network security product overview

  ForeScout NAC products can be deployed as hardware appliances or virtual machines. Designed for both small and large enterprises, they can support up to 10,000 end devices.Continue Reading

• Bradford NAC: Network security product overview

  Bradford Network Sentry products can be deployed as on-premises hardware appliances, virtual machines or cloud-based services, and they support connection of BYOD devices.Continue Reading

• Opportunity for SDN deployments in developing IT economies

  The relatively young IT systems found in developing economies could prove the perfect stage for SDN growth, with major opportunities for forward-thinking network engineers.Continue Reading

• IO Visor challenges Open vSwitch

  An alternative to Open vSwitch aims to execute software upgrades without disrupting network services. Expert Keith Townsend explains how the technology works.Continue Reading

• Zscaler gateway product overview

  Equipped with advanced security features such as cloud intelligence, botnet detection, sandboxing and more, the Zscaler Web gateway is deployed solely through the cloud.Continue Reading

• Cisco ASA firewall: Network security product overview

  Cisco ASA firewall products are Cisco's offering in the growing NGFW market. With FirePower intrusion prevention, they support deployments in small, medium and large businesses.Continue Reading

• How to meet the challenges of NFV orchestration

  Orchestration challenges are slowing NFV adoption, with a number of factors hindering deployments. Expert Lee Doyle explains and offers advice for service providers.Continue Reading